Faculty of Economics

The training of economists in Sopron started in 1995. Officially the Faculty of Economics was established in 2000. The Hungarian Accreditation Board assessed it as providing excellent quality training. Since then there has been a constant improvement and development. Within a short time it became a significant unit within the University of West Hungary. In the dynamic western region of Hungary, young people who are interested in economics can learn how to manage business, and how to develop entrepreneurship, etc.

The faculty has its educational activity in a very wide spectrum, starting with tertiary education through graduate courses up to the doctoral level, in both regular and correspondence courses covering different areas of economic education. In the undergraduate programs there are 1,000 students and in the correspondence and post graduate courses there are 1,200 at the moment.

In the academic year of 2003/2004, the Faculty of Economics acquired a new facility in the inner part of the city which suits the high level of education which is offered there. The venue is the former centre for economic decision making within the city. The city of Sopron helped the university in the formation and reconstruction of the building. The Ministry of Education and the local businesses also aided the formation of this new faculty.

In its original form, the building in Erzsébet Street was not enough to fulfil all the requirements for training and social activities. The faculty decided to build an auditorium with two large lecture halls and an underground parking garage in the court yard. The construction was completed in August, 2007. The faculty became one of the most beautiful facilities of the University of West Hungary and within the country to train the nation’s future economists.

Starting in September, 2006, the faculty started its Bologna style two level education program, similar to other European universities. The faculty started with four Bachelor courses (Business and Management, Trade and Marketing, International Business, Public Service). In September, 2007, a B.A. Business and Management program in German was added. The accreditation of the B.A. in Finance and Accounting is under way. The M.A. courses started in September, 2008. These courses will be Management and Organization, Business Development, Public Administration and Public Policy. Two more M.A. courses are being proposed, International Economics and Business Administration. These courses will probably attract future students and enhance the faculty’s reputation.

The leadership of the Faculty of Economics has preserved and cherished traditions of the student traditions going back to the Selmecbánya campus since the faculty began. The beautiful traditions are about patriotism, friendship and loyalty to the Alma Mater. They do not necessarily belong to the virtues of the current globalizing world. The connections and experience gained during university studies may strengthen young people striving for their future in the world. The faculty ensures that these extra benefits can be given to our students who are studying business administration and social sciences.

With the help of grants, we were able to build a system of practical training in various allied private companies. This helps our students to organize practical work experience programs and supports them in finding suitable positions after graduation. This outreach to companies is often based on our former students who are now employed in industry. This kind of activity is beneficial and profitable for both students and business. Within this framework we have successful research and connections with prominent companies. The faculty can solve tasks of business administration which benefits the faculty as well.

The cooperation in research and development will grow with increasing participation of firms within the city and the municipal administration. This will elevate the role of the faculty in the region. There are even more of our graduates who are now working at important businesses and in administration. They can involve the students and professors of the faculty in the solution of their companies’ problems.

The up-to-date infrastructure of the faculty has a 500 seat auditorium. This is used for many different events, such as lectures, conferences, concerts, holiday celebrations, exhibitions, etc. This provides a connection between the university and the people of Sopron. Two large lecture halls with 200 seats and with all conveniences are adjacent to the largest auditorium. The Student Centre within the faculty building offers multi-level services to meet the demands of the students for printing, copying, finishing their theses, shopping, making advertisements, career planning, coordination of trainee and alumni programs etc. The wireless internet connection within the building multiplies the students’ chances for networking via the Internet.